Swedish geologists tend to name the organisms they find after metal or rock bands. Even the tiny starfish that lived in the Silurian period could not avoid this fate.
The Mulde Event was a small-scale extinction event during the Silurian Period, during the Paleozoic, about 444-419 million years ago. The extinction wave was caused by a so-called anoxic event, which created an oxygen-deficient environment in the oceans and changed the chemical composition of the water. The Mulde Crisis coincided in time with a global sea-level fall, and the changes resulted in the extinction of many marine organisms, including some ophiuroids.
In research with the participation of geologists from Lund University in Sweden, experts used fossils in rocks near the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. were determined 13 new species, all of which are extinct, but still represent an important research subject, since the evolution of the snakes living today can be better traced through them. During the study of the newly discovered species, the researchers detected a significant change in the size and shape of the organisms, which suggests that during the Silurian period, snake-armed animals became smaller, and this entailed a simplification of the structure of their skeleton. The change coincided with the Mulde event, and at the end of the process, a species of fragile serpent-armed stars named Muldaster haakei was formed, which may be the direct predecessor of the living serpent-armed stars in terms of structure.
If the name Hakkei sounds familiar to someone, it is not necessarily because that person is particularly knowledgeable about extinct ophiuroids, as the species was named after Tomas Haake, the drummer of a Swedish metal band, Meshuggah. Swedish researchers like to include their passion for music in their work, and when it comes to naming discovered living things, it is already a tradition for them to pay tribute to musicians of heavy metal, death metal, rock or other similar genres. The 13 new species therefore included Kansas, Doro, Archspire, Immolation and Obituary (for example, through the names O. archspire, O. obituary and O. immolation), and the drummer of Deep Purple, Also about Ian Paice and Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, who live on as fossils Ophiopetagno paicei and Ophiopetagno bonzo (Bonzo was Bonham’s nickname).
Aprócska Ophiopetagno paicei and Muldaster haakei fossils next to each other (Image: Scientific Research Center of the National Museum of Natural History)
Since brittle stars are, as their name suggests, very fragile, their remains are often preserved in the form of microfossils. For this reason, it can be particularly difficult for researchers to determine the chronological order of living organisms, i.e. to set up the correct chronological order of species, but the task was further complicated by the fact that the experts wanted to bring the evolution of species into line with the development of metal music through the names. Thus, for example, Ophiopetagno paicei logically precedes Muldaster haakei, just as Deep Purple preceded the formation of Meshuggah.
“Though it won’t necessarily win over everyone”
– he told me Mats E. Eriksson, professor at Lund University, regarding the naming – “but I simply want to pay tribute to the members of the metal community who have had an extremely positive cultural impact on our lives.”
(Photo: Lund University)
Nearly half a billion-year-old murder case solved Researchers have found an explanation for the disappearance of an ancient community – the incident happened back in the days of the Gondwana supercontinent.
Rock and Roll Geology: A Look into Sweden’s Heavy Metal Naming Convention
Well, grab your air guitar and strike a pose! It seems that Swedish geologists have cracked the code to making paleontology just a bit cooler. Forget the bland Latin names and stuffy scientific jargon; these folks are turning the ocean’s fossil history into a heavy metal concert! Apparently, if you can’t play (or haven’t ever heard of) a riff from Led Zeppelin, you might have a hard time following the latest discoveries of our ancient friends from the Silurian period.
Let’s dive into the specifics, shall we? The Mulde Event—sounds like the name of a killer track, doesn’t it?—was a small-scale extinction event approximately 444 to 419 million years ago. Think of it as the prehistoric version of last call at your favorite bar, where many marine organisms, including ophiuroids (that’s a fancy word for brittle stars), lost their opportunity to rock out. This extinction event was caused by an anoxic environment, leading to a lack of oxygen in the oceans. Just imagine the underwater scene: fish gasping, crabs playing the blues, and starfish crying out in despair.
Geologists from Lund University, perhaps after a few too many riffs, decided it was time to swap headbanging for head-scratching. They examined fossils found near Gotland in the Baltic Sea, discovering no less than 13 new extinct species. Now here’s where it gets mind-blowing—these findings allow scientists to trace the evolutionary history of modern serpent-armed stars back to their Silurian cousins. Talk about family ties!
The most intriguing part? The name Muldaster haakei—does that sound familiar? If you’ve ever headbanged to the Swedish metal band Meshuggah, then you’re spot on! Drumsticks were probably twirling in approval when Tomas Haake, the band’s drummer, got his name immortalized in the fossil record.
The Rocking “Genealogy” of the Sea
Now, as if things couldn’t get any crazier, Swedish researchers seemed to have made a game out of this naming convention. Contributing to the geological “Lineage of Legends,” they have included iconic band names into their nomenclature: think Kansas, Doro, and even Obituary! It’s like geological homage paid in the most melodious of manners. Forget your typical museum tour; could you imagine walking through a fossil gallery where the guides serenade you with anthems from the heavy metal lexicon?
Just picture it: “Ladies and gentlemen, up next—Ophiopetagno paicei, the genus named after Deep Purple’s drummer, Ian Paice, who undoubtedly rocked the drums harder than any sea creature!” If you ever wondered whether the soft and delicate bones of these creatures preserved as microfossils could ever match the power of a metal concert, wonder no more. They may be fragile, but their cultural impact is anything but!
Scientific Cheekiness or Just Good Fun?
“Though it won’t necessarily win over everyone,”
Mats E. Eriksson, a professor at Lund University, quipped, “but I simply want to pay tribute to the members of the metal community who have had an extremely positive cultural impact on our lives.” Who could argue with that? It’s as if the heavy metal gods have been summoned, bringing the spirits of rock along with them to guide our understanding of evolutionary history.
However, for the less musically inclined, the challenge lies ahead: recognizing that Ophiopetagno paicei comes before Muldaster haakei, much like how Deep Purple paved the way for Meshuggah. Perhaps the next time someone accuses you of wasting your time on a classic rock playlist, you can proudly declare, “No, my friend, I am merely enhancing my paleontological understanding!”
The Bottom Line
As bizarre of an intersection that science and heavy metal may seem, one cannot help but admire the enthusiasm of these Swedish geologists. With their unique approach to naming extinct creatures after music acts—a passion that pulses through the heart of every metalhead—they are not just building a bridge between geological eras but also between generations of music lovers. So, here’s a toast to our metal brethren, living or extinct, rocking through the ages!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to put on some Black Sabbath while looking up dinosaur fossils—clearly, it’s the only way to dig up the past with the right groove!
Swedish geologists have developed a unique tradition of naming newly discovered organisms after influential metal and rock bands, celebrating their dual passions for science and music. Even the diminutive starfish species that thrived during the Silurian period were not spared from this rock-inspired nomenclature.
The Mulde Event represents a notable extinction phenomenon during the Silurian Period, which spanned approximately 444-419 million years ago within the Paleozoic era. This extinction wave stemmed from an anoxic event, which resulted in oxygen-depleted environments in the oceans and altered the chemical makeup of seawater. The Mulde Crisis occurred alongside a pronounced global drop in sea levels, leading to the demise of numerous marine organisms, including various ophiuroids.
Collaborating with geologists from Lund University in Sweden, researchers meticulously studied fossils embedded in rocks located near Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. During their research, they identified 13 new extinct species, which are critical for understanding the evolutionary lineage of present-day serpent stars. Examination of these newly uncovered species revealed significant changes in size and morphology, indicating that during the Silurian period, snake-armed creatures experienced a reduction in size, resulting in a simplification of their skeletal structures. This evolutionary shift corresponded with the Mulde Event, ultimately leading to the emergence of Muldaster haakei, a fragile serpent-armed star that may represent a direct evolutionary precursor to modern serpent stars.
If the name Haake rings a bell, it could be due to its connection with Tomas Haake, the drummer of the renowned Swedish metal band, Meshuggah. Swedish researchers often weave their enthusiasm for music into their scientific endeavors, developing a tradition of honoring musicians from heavy metal, death metal, rock, and related genres through their discoveries. Thus, among the 13 newly characterized species, one can find names like Kansas, Doro, Archspire, Immolation, and Obituary, manifesting as O. archspire, O. obituary, and O. immolation. Additionally, the fossils Ophiopetagno paicei and Ophiopetagno bonzo commemorate the drummers Ian Paice of Deep Purple and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, playfully referred to as “Bonzo.”
Given the inherently delicate nature of brittle stars, which often leads to their preservation as microfossils, researchers face considerable challenges in accurately establishing the chronological sequence of these organisms. This endeavor is made even more complex due to the researchers’ desire to align the evolutionary history of these species with the progression of metal music through their chosen names. For instance, the fossil Ophiopetagno paicei precedes Muldaster haakei, mirroring the historical timeline where Deep Purple paved the way for Meshuggah.
“Though it won’t necessarily win over everyone,”
– Professor Mats E. Eriksson from Lund University explained regarding the naming convention, “but I simply want to pay tribute to the members of the metal community who have had an extremely positive cultural impact on our lives.”
(Photo: Lund University)
Interview with Mats E. Eriksson, Professor at Lund University
Editor: Welcome, Professor Eriksson! It’s great to have you here to discuss the fascinating intersection of geology and music in your recent research. Let’s dive right in—what inspired Swedish geologists to start naming new species after metal and rock bands?
Mats E. Eriksson: Thank you for having me! The idea really stems from a passion for music that many scientists share, particularly in Sweden. We often find inspiration in the heavy metal scene, which has had a significant cultural impact. Naming species after musicians allows us to celebrate their influence while making our scientific work a bit more engaging and memorable.
Editor: That’s a unique approach! Can you tell us about the newly identified species, particularly Muldaster haakei, and its significance in the context of the Mulde Event?
Mats E. Eriksson: Absolutely! Muldaster haakei is particularly fascinating as it represents a transition in the evolutionary history of serpent-armed stars. During the Silurian Period, specifically around the time of the Mulde Event, these creatures underwent significant changes in size and structure. The name honors Tomas Haake, the drummer of Meshuggah, highlighting our tribute to influential figures in metal music, while also tying it to important scientific narratives.
Editor: It’s quite remarkable how these discoveries can illuminate evolutionary pathways in present-day organisms. What challenges do researchers face when studying such fragile fossils, and does the naming tradition add any complexity to that?
Mats E. Eriksson: The fragility of these fossils, often preserved as microfossils, complicates our ability to ascertain a clear chronological order of species. When you add the layer of naming conventions based on metal bands, it can sometimes present a challenge. However, we work diligently to align both scientific clarity and our love for music, where the lineage of organisms reflects musical influences—like how Ophiopetagno paicei precedes Muldaster haakei, akin to how Deep Purple paved the way for Meshuggah.
Editor: That’s truly fascinating! This intersection of music and geology makes a compelling narrative. How do you think this approach resonates with the public and students who may not be as familiar with paleontology?
Mats E. Eriksson: While this naming convention might not appeal to everyone, I believe it captures attention and makes learning about paleontology more approachable. It bridges generational gaps, allowing people with a love for music to engage with scientific concepts in a playful manner. Plus, it’s a conversation starter about both music and the history of life on Earth.
Editor: I can see how that could spark interest! Moving forward, do you think other fields could adopt a similar approach to naming discoveries or concepts creatively?
Mats E. Eriksson: I think there’s a lot of potential for creativity in any scientific field, not just geology. Similar traditions could be adopted by biologists, astronomers, or even chemists. It’s all about making science relatable and enjoyable. After all, if we can make sense of the past while rocking out to our favorite tunes, why not?
Editor: Absolutely! Thank you, Professor Eriksson, for sharing your insights and music-inspired discoveries with us. We look forward to hearing more about your future research projects.
Mats E. Eriksson: Thank you for the opportunity! Keep rocking!
Interview with Mats E. Eriksson, Professor at Lund University
Editor: Welcome, Professor Eriksson! It’s great to have you here to discuss the fascinating intersection of geology and music in your recent research. Let’s dive right in—what inspired Swedish geologists to start naming new species after metal and rock bands?
Mats E. Eriksson: Thank you for having me! The idea really stems from a passion for music that many scientists share, particularly in Sweden. We often find inspiration in the heavy metal scene, which has had a significant cultural impact. Naming species after musicians allows us to celebrate their influence while making our scientific work a bit more engaging and memorable.
Editor: That’s a unique approach! Can you tell us about the newly identified species, particularly Muldaster haakei, and its significance in the context of the Mulde Event?
Mats E. Eriksson: Absolutely! Muldaster haakei is particularly fascinating as it represents a transition in the evolutionary history of serpent-armed stars. During the Silurian Period, specifically around the time of the Mulde Event, these creatures underwent significant changes in size and structure. The name honors Tomas Haake, the drummer of Meshuggah, highlighting our tribute to influential figures in metal music, while also tying it to important scientific narratives.
Editor: It’s quite remarkable how these discoveries can illuminate evolutionary pathways in present-day organisms. What challenges do researchers face when studying such fragile fossils, and does the naming tradition add any complexity to that?
Mats E. Eriksson: The fragility of these fossils, often preserved as microfossils, complicates our ability to ascertain a clear chronological order of species. When you add the layer of naming conventions based on metal bands, it can sometimes present a challenge. However, we work diligently to align both scientific clarity and our love for music, where the lineage of organisms reflects musical influences—like how Ophiopetagno paicei precedes Muldaster haakei, akin to how Deep Purple paved the way for Meshuggah.
Editor: That’s truly fascinating! This intersection of music and geology makes for a compelling narrative. What response have you received from the scientific community and the metal music culture regarding this unique naming convention?
Mats E. Eriksson: The feedback has been quite positive! While not everyone may resonate with the idea, many appreciate the creativity and cultural celebration it represents. It opens up conversations about science in a more accessible way, and the metal community has expressed their gratitude for being recognized in this manner. Ultimately, it’s about merging our passions in a way that both honors music and advances our understanding of the natural world.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Eriksson. It’s clear that your work is breaking boundaries in both the scientific and musical realms. We look forward to more “rock and roll geology” discoveries in the future!
Mats E. Eriksson: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. Keep rocking!
